Accompanying Jade was our valued client from Munro Footwear Group, Amy Baird, Head of Marketing. The trip provided a unique chance to deep dive into the innovations shaking up the retail world, and to discover how we can continue to provide cutting-edge services for our key retail partnerships.
Munro Footwear Group
The Munro Footwear Group has been using our print and logistics services for a number of years now, and it’s a partnership we have been delighted to invest in. Munro Footwear Group are leaders in designing quality footwear and building trusted brands, and committed to driving the sustainable, long-term growth of their company. Their commitment to providing quality products and service, as well as seeking out environmentally sustainable business practices for the future, aligns with our core values at Invicium, and we are proud to work alongside Munro in these pursuits.
We provide many POS print marketing products for some of Munro’s iconic brands, such as Midas, Williams, and Mathers shoes. Munro also uses our Pick, Pack, & Ship service in their retail stores.
2024 NRF Asia Pacific Conference
NRF APAC 2024
Held at: The Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore
Event: 3 days
Registrations: 8,000 from 52 countries
Exhibitors: 238
Speakers: 109
As the inaugural Asia Pacific conference that the National Retail Federation has held, the 2024 event was an exceptional success, bringing together some of the most influential minds in the retail industry with attendees from across the Asia Pacific. The conference offered invaluable insights into the latest retail trends, technological advancements, and consumer behaviours shaping the future of retail in the region. From keynote addresses by industry leaders to interactive workshops and networking sessions, the conference inspired and equipped attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in a dynamic market.
The Invicium Experience
Jade was able to gather some great insights at the conference. As a predominantly service-based business, a retail conference is not Invicium’s natural habitat, but understanding the current and future landscape our clients are operating in is important to us, so that we can continue to offer innovative and intuitive assistance for their needs.
Singapore, a city known for its beauty, safety, and world-class infrastructure, was a great setting for the conference. Jade and Amy had enough time in their schedule to enjoy a little of this stunning city, eating at local restaurants and raising a glass at the Long Bar in the Raffles Hotel, birthplace of the iconic Singapore Sling.
The trip gave Jade the opportunity to discuss some refined methods of service with Amy, which she will be able to include in Invicium’s service delivery, both with Munro Footwear Group and our other retail clients.
Conference Take-Aways
Sustainability
One of the key themes at the NRF APAC 2024 conference was sustainability, a topic that is increasingly important to both consumers and businesses. Consumers have a growing appetite for products that are not only high-quality but also environmentally friendly, and are increasingly conscious of the journey a product takes to arrive on a retail shelf. Many retail groups are now making sustainable choices from product development to supply chains and marketing displays. For such businesses, the future focus will be on finding ways to make sustainable practices scalable, ensuring that changes can be implemented without compromising efficiency or profitability.
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important focus of our business practices at Invicium. More of our customers than ever are interested in the sustainable options that we can offer them. Munro Footwear Group has been one of our key clients opting for environmentally friendly options, such as POS displays made from materials that can be placed in the recycling bins once a promotion is finished. These small, intentional changes can revolutionise business practices in becoming more planet-friendly operations.
“I loved the focus on sustainability that the NRF brought to this conference. We have noticed a trend towards eco-friendly products and processes across the board in our industry over the last few years, and it is a trend we are wholeheartedly embracing at Invicium. For our print clients, we are able to offer more sustainable options, along with ongoing transparency and education on the origins of our products, and the recyclable options they have. It was great to see this focus becoming more prominent across the sector, and I look forward to the increasingly sustainable options that are being created.” – Jade Hart
Where does your Print Marketing end up?
For more sustainable posters, signs, billboards, and more, talk to us about eco-friendly options.
Technology
Another pivotal theme highlighted at the NRF APAC 2024 conference was the transformative impact of technology on the retail sector. Innovations such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced data analytics are revolutionising how retailers understand and meet consumer needs. Retailers are leveraging AI-driven insights to optimise inventory management, personalise customer experiences, and enhance supply chain efficiency. The rise of e-commerce and omnichannel shopping has also necessitated digital infrastructure for integration across online and offline platforms.
For Invicium, these technological advancements present exciting opportunities to refine our services. By embracing cutting-edge solutions, we can further enhance our logistics, warehousing, and marketing offerings, ensuring that our clients remain competitive and adaptive in an increasingly digital marketplace.
“Seeing the new tech that is being created and made available to companies in the retail sector was absolutely eye-opening. Systems, operations and devices that we have previously only seen in movies are now a viable working option and are making their way into new retail set-ups. It was exciting to see some options that might prove appropriate for the Munro Footwear Group’s stores in the coming days. And absolutely mind-blowing to see the sorts of things that will become the new normal for retail experience in the decade to come. The future of retail has arrived.” – Amy Baird
